Qinghai - Tibet Train
Billed as the highest railway in the world, the Qinghai-Tibet line runs over 1000 kilometers from the Qinghai Capital Xining to the Tibetan capital Lhasa. To provide you with a better opportunity to enjoy the stunningly beautiful scenery on the way, scenery viewing platforms have been set up at nine stations. These includes: Yuzhu Peak Station, Chumaer River. Tuotuo river, Buqiangge, Tanggula Mountain, Lake Namtso, Nagqu, Damshung, Yambajan. The train will stay for around 15 minutes in each station.
Yangbajing Town
About 80 km west of Dangxiong, is the eighth station on the line. Yangbajing is not a place for sight seeing; rather, as the highest hot springs in the world, it is famous for its terrestrial heat. Watching the white fogs floating outside the railway station, one can even feel the heat. Soaking in the hot water on the cold plateau, you will wash away your fatigue and warm your heart.
Namtso
Namtso, meaning Heavenly Lake in Tibetan, is one of the three holiest lakes in Tibetan Buddhism. In the fifth and sixth month of the Tibetan calendar each year, many Buddhists come to the lake pay homage and pray. Lying at the foot of Mount Nyainqentanglha, it covers an area of 1,940 square km at an elevation of 4,718 m. It is the second-largest saltwater lake in China and the highest saltwater lake in the world. It is also a rich haven for fish and birds.
Dangxiong town
This little town runs through one of the lushest areas in Tibet. In summertime, groups of cattle and sheep dot the grassland. Dangxiong is renowned for its rich mineral resources, precious Tibetan medicines and tourist attractions, such as Namtso Lake.
Naqu
The Qiangtang Grasslands in Naqu spreads over about 600,000 square km, taking up half of the whole of Tibet, averaging 4,500 m above sea level. The boundless grassland is the principal pastoral area in Tibet, scattered with white sheep and black yaks.
Kekexili
In the hinterland of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Kekexili covers the south of Kunlun Mountains and the north of Tanggula Mountains. It is the largest uninhabited area in China. Despite the harsh natural environment for human beings, Kekexili is a wonderland for wild donkeys, yaks, Tibetan antelopes and 230 species of wild animals. The endangered Tibetan antelopes are the pride of Kekexili, with only about 7,000 to 100,000 left worldwide.
Mt. Kunlun
Known as the "forefather of all mountains." Climbing Mt. Kunlun brings the journey to a different type of climax. It extends about 2,500 km at an average elevation of 5,000 m with snow-covered peaks. The largest ice-free spring lies at the northern bank of the Kunlun River, producing not only good quality spring water, but also the extraordinary June-time snows.
Chaerhan Salt Lake
The second largest salt lake in the world. Covering an area of 6,000 square km, Chaerhan boasts a 32-km highway that runs along its shores paved with salt. It is said that the salt here could satisfy world demand for 2,000 years.
Qinghai Lake
Lying in the northeast of Qinghai Province, approximately 150 km from Xining, is famous for its Bird Island. May and June are the best seasons for bird watching. More than ten species -- including geese, gulls, sandpipers, cormorants, black-necked cranes and brown-headed gulls - nest on the island during the spring time. About 100,000 migratory birds occupy an area of 0.8 square kilometers, making it a paradise for people as well as birds.